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Medically Approved

Strattera dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthsDosageCouponOverdoseBoxed warning
Doctors prescribe Strattera for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). You take it by mouth 1 to 2 times per day.
Medically reviewed by Timothy Ivers, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes Strattera’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Strattera. If you want to know more about Strattera, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Strattera is a brand-name medication that comes as a capsule that you swallow. It’s available in a generic version called atomoxetine. This article describes dosages of Strattera.

Strattera has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.

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Form and strengths of Strattera

Strattera comes as follows:

  • Form: oral capsule that you take by swallowing
  • Strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg

Dosage of Strattera

This article describes the recommended dosages for Strattera. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Strattera without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of Strattera in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Strattera. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Strattera that gives the desired outcome.

Strattera can be taken with or without food. The capsules should be swallowed whole. You should not open them.

Dosage for ADHD

  • Starting dosage: 40 mg per day
  • Maintenance dosage: 80 mg per day
  • Maximum dosage: 100 mg per day

Doses may be taken once per day or split into two evenly divided doses. If you take Strattera twice per day, you should take your doses in the morning and late afternoon or early evening.

Dosages of Strattera in children

Strattera can be prescribed for children ages 6 years and older. The capsules should be swallowed whole. You should not open them.

The dosage of Strattera for children is based on body weight in kilograms (kg).

Body weight in kilograms (kg)Approximate body weight in pounds (lb)*Starting dosageMaintenance dosageMaximum dosage
up to 70 kgup to 154 lb 0.5 mg/kg per day1.2 mg/kg per day1.4 mg/kg or 100 mg per day, whichever is less
more than 70 kgmore than 154 lb40 mg per day80 mg per day100 mg per day

* 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lb).

Doses may be taken once per day or split into two evenly divided doses. If your child takes Strattera twice per day, they should take their doses in the morning and late afternoon or early evening.

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Overdose of Strattera

It’s important that you do not take more Strattera than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Strattera overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much Strattera

If you think you’ve taken too much Strattera, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Boxed warning for Strattera

Strattera has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Risk of suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers: Strattera can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers with ADHD. Your child may be at increased risk of this if they have certain other conditions in addition to ADHD. Your doctor will evaluate the risks and benefits of taking Strattera before prescribing it. If your child starts taking Strattera, you should watch for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, worsening of their symptoms, and any changes in their behavior.

To learn more, talk with your doctor.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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